Who requires an annual inspection of watched aids?

• A. District Safety Officer
• B. Local Port Engineer
• C. Vessel Captain
• D. District Commander

Answer: (D)

The responsibility for annual inspections of watched aids rests with the District Commander, who has overarching authority for safety programs across the district and must ensure that these inspections are scheduled, performed, and properly recorded. This level of accountability sits at the district command level because it covers all watched aids within the district and requires coordinated oversight and corrective actions if issues are found.

The Vessel Captain handles the vessel’s own operations and the readiness of its equipment, but not district-wide inspection duties. The Local Port Engineer focuses on maintenance of local equipment, not the district’s annual inspection program. The District Safety Officer runs safety programs and policies, but the ultimate duty to ensure annual inspections of watched aids lies with the District Commander.